Search This Blog

(M) BIRI – The Frenzy of Things EP Review

The opening track of The Frenzy of Things, entitled Eyes Through a Window, begins with a slow guitar rhythm and steady drums beats before a delicious explosion into a more fast-paced and driven piece. The vocal style exhibited is reminiscent of the great Punk bands we all know and love, namely The Clash, but with a smoother and yet more lackadaisical feel. This works well in combination with the tempo changes that occur throughout the track, and provide an engaging and ever-changing song, while still maintaining the key elements of the track. Particularly salient is the break down which occurs around 2:00 and leaves vocals solitary before an intensifying drumbeat hails the return of the lively rhythm guitar. In essence, the song was an excellent choice for the initial song of the EP, showcasing BIRI’s ability to create a fantastic example of post-punk rock.

The second track of the EP, Captain Sugar, shows a different side of BIRI as it begins with a surprisingly psychedelic riff, giving a relaxed and dreamy feel. At around 0:30 the mood changes as catchy drum beats and frantic rhythm guitar kick in, providing a sudden and highly effective contrast. These are joined by a strong riff which is repeated in the choruses, and some smooth sliding vocals which continue on through the softer sections of the song. The track alternates between these two feels throughout until around 02:00, where a short, sharp drum solo leads into a different upbeat section in which the vocals become more energetic. The song draws to a close with a lull in which the rhythm guitar and drums seem to interact with one another amid some tense pauses. We then hear some well executed drums before a return to the familiar chorus, and the last we hear is the electrified riff. As a song, this demonstrates excellent balance between easy-going tunes and intense, foot-tapping rhythm, and shows both the lighter and heavier sides of the band.

Final song You The Tease begins with a light, almost airy tune from the guitar, accompanied by some low, slow vocals. The track livens up at the chorus, in which the powerful rhythmic guitar sets the pace; and gives the ideal background for the echoic vocals. This basic format of the song gradually transforms as the song wears on; the second instance sees the introduction of an intensifying riff which eventually wanders away from the basic tune of the song into a more meandering and chaotic riff. I love the metamorphosis this song comprises of, as it keeps the song engaging and surprising.

Overall, The Frenzy of Things is a good quality recording; skilfully put together and showcasingBIRI’s imagination and flair. A chunk of well-composed and presented post-punk rock with tantalising psychedelic elements. Particularly enjoyable are the band’s masterful tempo and mood changes which make for interesting listening. The Frenzy of Things is a trio of strong tracks, and while they did not click for me the first time I heard them, after a few listens their merits shone through like light reflecting from Archimedes’ death-ray. I look forward to BIRI’s future material, in which they have promised to incorporate more of the experimental/psychedelic aspects.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Denim and Leather is reborn! Denim 'N Leather Hellions is a continuation/reboot of the old website, by the original founder.

We are an online magazine which sends a fistful of metal straight through your primary visual cortex. We believe that the underground music scene does not get the attention and respect it deserves. We are hoping to change that sorry fact by bringing into your lives a webzine full of all the latest news, reviews and insights from the circuits of Yorkshire and the scene at large. No self respecting music fan should be without it. Any bands that want a review for their EPs/albums should e-mail us with ‘FAO Editor’ as the subject. Other media: Hotmail Address – HullMetalMag@hotmail.co.ukOfficial FacebookOfficial Youtube Official TwitterReverbnation

By Natasha Tolan-Smith
Listening to Greek Hard Rock band SkySent Lu's recent album, "2 Seconds Late", my immediate impression when listening to first song, Bob's Adventures, was of an Iron Maiden inspired band; impressively rough yet well planned riffs combined with a rough, adventurous vocal approach by Nondas Emmanouil; and of course accessible and catchy choruses. SkySent Lu have drawn from the NWOBHM well taking influence from the likes of Saxon, Diamond and Maiden; and repackaging it will the emotion and imagination of Progressive Metal bands such as Dream Theatre and QueensRyche.
The resulting sound will appeal to any typical hard rock fans and surely draw in fans from the more bon vivant metal fan. 2 Seconds Late is generally well put together, with a steady rhythm guitar, roaring yet smooth lead guitar, from Christos Spyropoulos and Costas Karapetsas; the quality of the album's production is extremely high and a lot of effort has been put into making the…

By Antony Illingworth Thrash is one of the less subtle subgenres
of metal music, characterised through its aggressive lyrics of social issues,
and borrowing its speed and tempo from early hard-core punk; almost every
thrash metal band to crawl from the woodwork follows this recipe. It’s been
tried and tested time and again, and has always passed. Exile, a three piece thrash metal
band (named after the expulsion of Palestinian refugees from Gaza back in 1948)
hailing from the lands of Jordan, have released their first full length LP,
entitled Suspended Society…Mutilated
Variety. Each of the band’s members knows how to play their instruments,
and each song brings something new, ensuring a new sound can be heard every
time.

Nader (Guitars & Vocals) shows his
skill throughout the album with riffs and licks, he also treats us to some
fantastic leads and solos throughout the album; his vocals, however, are more
matched with early death metal from the likes of America’s own ‘Father of Dea…